First slide
Concept of potential energy
Question

The potential energy function for a diatomic molecule is U(x) = ax12bx6. In stable equilibrium , the distance between the particles is 

Moderate
Solution

F=dUdx=12ax136bx7

At equilibrium ,F=0  or x=  2ab16
At this value of x , we can see that d2Udx2  is positive.
So, potential energy is minimum or equilibrium is stable
 

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